Overpass crash recorded in Port Coquitlam; Coquitlam towing company suspended

The overpass on Shaughnessy Street in Port Coquitlam, which was hit late last week, is a little under four metres high. Photo via Google StreetView

A Coquitlam towing company has been suspended by the province following an underpass collision in downtown Port Coquitlam last week.

The crash, involving a commercial vehicle owned by Specialized Towing Ltd., occurred at the Shaughnessy Street underpass on April 19, according to a recent report from the provincial government.

“Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement department (CVSE) has confirmed suspension of the carrier, pending the result of the investigation,” the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure stated in an email to the Tri–Cities Dispatch.

Specialized Towing Ltd, which owns approximately 20 vehicles in their fleet, declined to comment.

The Shaughnessy Street overpass is a little under four metres high. The ministry did not state whether there was any damage to the overpass.

The province decided to start immediately suspending the safety certificates of carrier companies in December until an investigation is complete by the CVSE.

“The immediate suspensions and the significant cost they bring to a company will be a permanent tool,” the province wrote in a press release at the time. “However, repeat offenders will face longer suspensions and may have their certificate to operate in B.C. revoked.”

Last month, Transportation Minister Rob Fleming also announced proposed changes to B.C.’s Commercial Transport Act.

Under the new rules, carrier companies could be fined a maximum of $100,000 and drivers can face up to 18 months of jail time for crashes into overpasses or highway infrastructure.

The new rules come after a spate of collisions in recent years.

There have been 41 collisions involving commercial vehicles and bridges or overpasses in B.C. since October 2021, according to the provincial data.

Ten of those incidents, including the latest crash in Port Coquitlam, have occurred in 2024.

Dave Earle, president of the B.C. Trucking Association, said at a press conference in March that his organization supports the measures and that it would serve as an important safety reminder for truckers and operators.

“While it’s not going to necessarily solve everything overnight, it’s a really critical part of what we’re trying to accomplish,” he said.

Specialized Towing Ltd. will need to have an action plan confirmed by the CVSE before having its suspension lifted.

There is no timeframe for when investigation will be complete.